THE NEIGHBOR FAVOR

Narrators Keylor Leigh and Malik Rashad work together beautifully to deliver this heartwarming slow-burn romance. Black 20-something Lily, a publishing assistant portrayed by Leigh in bright, sympathetic tones, emails her favorite fantasy author, NR Strickland ("Strick"). Their email correspondence and blossoming friendship/romance are wonderfully voiced by both narrators. Rashad splendidly expresses the undertone of family trauma that underlies the friendly persona of Strick, whose real name is Nick. After failing to show up for their first video chat, Nick ghosts Lily, and all seems lost. But his accidental move into Lily's apartment building sets events in motion, and listeners will cheer for them to have their happily ever after. Both narrators also create vibrant characterizations of Lily's and Nick's mostly charming family, friends, and co-workers. M.J. © AudioFile 2023, Portland, Maine [Published: MARCH 2023]